Overview: Which NBA rookies are poised to make the biggest impact in the 2026 season?
The 2026 NBA draft class enters the preseason loaded with elite, franchise-altering talent headlined by number one overall pick AJ Dybantsa, who steps into immediate high-usage responsibilities alongside veteran stars. Joining him at the top of the rookie watch list are Duke standout forward Cameron Boozer, tasked with serving as a cornerstone piece for the rebuilding Memphis Grizzlies frontcourt, and scoring playmaker Darryn Peterson, who bolsters the young core of the Utah Jazz. With early preseason performances setting the tone for regular-season rotations, these first-year standouts possess the scoring depth, versatility, and opportunity needed to lead their respective franchises and battle for Rookie of the Year honors.
From Number One Overall Pick AJ Dybantsa to Duke Standout Cameron Boozer, Here Are the Impact First-Year Stars Positioned to Dominate Preseason Rotations and Drive the Rookie of the Year Race
The NBA’s preseason is underway, and the league’s newest faces are in action. The 2026 NBA Draft was loaded with talent, and the top picks are continuing to display their talents. They are taking advantage of this moment, and a strong start in the preseason could carry over into the regular season.
This year’s draft class is ready to show what it is made of, and in the end, some of these stars will be in the running for Rookie of the Year. With that said, here are five rookies to keep an eye on throughout the season.
1.) AJ Dybantsa
AJ Dybantsa was the first pick of this year’s draft, and he will play alongside veterans like Anthony Davis and Trae Young. Dybantsa attended BYU, and during that time, he averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists. The No. 1 pick has turned heads during the season, as his recent back-to-back dunks against the Brooklyn Nets went viral.
Dybantsa has played well during the preseason, and in the loss to Brooklyn, he had 14 points, four rebounds and three assists. The young star has a good shot at winning Rookie of the Year, and if that happens, he will join No. 1 picks such as LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama.
2.) Cameron Boozer
Cameron Boozer was the third pick of this year’s draft, and he had a standout season at Duke. He averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Boozer will play a role in the Memphis Grizzlies’ rebuild, and he can make an impact right away.
The Grizzlies traded their star, Ja Morant, this summer, and before that, they traded 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. Memphis needs young talent, and Boozer fills that void.
This will be a challenging season for the Grizzlies, but having a player like Boozer is a step in the right direction.
3.) Darryn Peterson
Darryn Peterson was drafted behind Dybantsa, and he went to the Utah Jazz. The Jazz are another rebuilding team, and they are trying to find the right pieces. They drafted Ace Bailey in 2025, and they picked Cody Williams the year before that. Peterson is a solid addition, and he will be a part of Utah’s core going forward.
The No. 2 pick caught the attention of the Jazz, as he averaged 20.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in his season at Kansas. Then, in a recent preseason game, he scored 14 points to help his team get the victory. Peterson has a chance to shine, and in what could be a difficult year for Utah, he will be one of their bright spots.
4.) Caleb Wilson
Caleb Wilson was drafted by the Chicago Bulls, and in his time with the team, he has played well. He was one of the Summer League standouts, and so far, he has had solid performances in the preseason. He had 17 points, five assists and four rebounds against the Denver Nuggets, and before that, he had 21 points against the Grizzlies.
Wilson was a star at North Carolina, and he is bringing that passion to Chicago. He has a good shot at winning Rookie of the Year, especially if he outperforms Dybantsa and others. Regardless, the Bulls found a gem, and he will play a big role in their success.
5.) Darius Acuff Jr.
Darius Acuff Jr. may be a sleeper pick, but his game speaks for itself. He was the seventh pick of the draft, and he attended Arkansas. He averaged 23.5 points, 6.4 assists and 3.1 rebounds during his time with the Razorbacks.
Acuff was drafted by the Sacramento Kings, and he has been one of their starters during preseason. He had 25 points against the Golden State Warriors, and he played well in prior games as well. The Sacramento Kings are trying to find their identity, and Acuff can help them do that. This team had veterans like Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan last year, and both of those players moved on. Westbrook retired, and DeRozan signed with the Nuggets. Now, the Kings have another veteran, as they brought in Ben Simmons. Acuff is in a good place, and as the season progresses, he could climb the Rookie of the Year ladder.
This year’s draft class could be special, and throughout the season, fans will hear these five names.
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